“Three and a half years ago, I received a phone call from a lady who relayed a story about an elderly woman she knew whose health had declined rapidly and she had to move into a nursing home that did not allow pets,” Ms Kennedy said.

“She had lived in her house with her 17-year-old cat that was her only companion for many years.

“No-one wanted to take the old cat and, not knowing what else to do, she took it to her local vet and had it put to sleep.

“When I hung up from that call, I was deeply moved.

“It is hard enough transition to leave your lifelong home with all your possessions to move into a tiny room, but then to have to lose your company must have been devastating, most of all for the cat.”

Ms Kennedy was determined to never let this happen again and so the Golden Hearts program was born.

“This part of the Golden Hearts program is ‘Transitions’ – any Golden Hearts member can surrender their pet for free at any stage and we will find it a loving new home,” she said.

“With a zero-euthanasia policy, this gives the person great peace of mind.”